This archive report was first published on 10 July 2021.
July 10, 2021, marked a significant milestone in China-US relations as Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan emphasized the importance of expanding common interests between the two nations. Speaking at an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Henry Kissinger's secret trip to China, Wang urged the US to avoid turning its China policy into a vicious cycle of misjudgment and misguidance.
Wang highlighted the significance of Kissinger's trip, which prompted President Richard Nixon's visit to China and the issuance of the Shanghai Communique. This move, according to Wang, demonstrated the extraordinary political wisdom and diplomacy of the older generation of leaders, marking a new chapter in China-US relations and international politics.
Over the past 50 years, China-US ties have experienced their share of ups and downs, but have ultimately brought massive benefits to both peoples and facilitated world peace, prosperity, and stability. Wang emphasized that China's development presents opportunities for the world, and that China and the US should become partners in mutual development.
At a crucial juncture in bilateral relations, Wang urged both sides to uphold principles, show mutual respect, and seek common ground while shelving differences. He also called for the two nations to respect each other's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to address each other's concerns in a balanced way.
Wang further emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people exchanges to consolidate popular support for bilateral ties. He also noted that the biggest challenge for the US is not China, but rather the US itself, and that the US should avoid turning its China policy into a vicious cycle of misjudgment and misguidance.
As long as both sides uphold the idea of a shared future for humanity, China and the US will not find their problems fundamentally antagonistic and will find a path of peaceful coexistence and cooperation for win-win results, Wang said.
Henry Kissinger, via video link, echoed Wang's sentiments, urging the two countries to enhance strategic communications and continue dialogue and exchanges in all areas to ensure bilateral ties transcend divergences and focus on cooperation.
